History of Forest and Tree Loss in Residential Communities Near SeaTac Airport
Extensive research is needed to document the forest loss surrounding SeaTac International Airport that has occurred after residents were reassured in the 1970s that most of the natural features in this area would be retained (see the “Where are the Forest and Park” pages on this website for background on that history.)A quick look at the satellite views offered by Google maps shows significant industrial development impinging on densely populated neighborhoods. But that tells only part of the story. For example, what is the difference between what the public was promised - versus what the Port has delivered? What current near-term plans exist? And what ‘hidden’ development has happened - ecological and community destruction that can’t be seen without specialized maps and knowledge? We do know that in the 1990s - over the objections of the Pollution Control Hearings Board, Washington’s Department of Ecology, and multiple citizen groups - the Port dumped over 20 million cubic feet of fill in a wooded canyon encompassing Miller Creek, filling in all or portions of about 50 wetlands. That’s not easily viewable on Google maps. We also know that the Port filled in at least two small lakes, Evergreen and Reba. For now, we offer two images to start with. If you are able to help us develop this information further, please let us know! info@defendersofhighlineforest.org
The 1976 map shown below is from a Port of Seattle brochure “SeaTac Communities Plan." The dark green areas show where this agency told the public that land - where thousands of residents had been removed along with their homes, business, and schools - would primarily be used for recreational, ecological, and agricultural purposes. Click on the map for full size. Some labels are added.
Example 1: Near Madrona Elementary School
This illustration, from a Defenders slide show for volunteers, shows some of the industrial development that the Port of Seattle has completed or recommended for the near future on public land near Madrona Elementary school. This site is south of the airport - in an area that the public was previously told would remain primarily in recreational, ecological, and agricultural use. Each acre is equivalent to about 90% of a football field.Example 2: North SeaTac Park and Riverton Heights Community
This illustration, from a Defenders informational flier, shows some of the industrial development that the Port of Seattle has completed or recommended for the near future on public land in and near North SeaTac Park and the Riverton Heights community. This site is on the north east end of the airport.Comparing Port’s 1976 promises of open green space with its 2023 map showing areas left over for “ecological use”
The 2023 map shown below is from the final draft of the Port’s Land Stewardship Plan. It shows the fragmented areas of land still available for "ecological use” near the airport - and the even smaller areas that will remain if this agency is permitted to go ahead with its current recommendations to replace an estimated 110 acres of trees with more polluting sources like cargo warehouses, parking lots, roads, and an aviation waste processing facility. The dark blue "Public Safety and Maintenance" areas and the grey "No Action" areas are mostly either planned for future development or have already been developed. This plan makes no provision for protecting North SeaTac Park, shown in bright blue.
